Hi Heidi, I'm a newbie on this column, and I must compliment you...I can't believe how much you know about the BTD, nutrition, and health in general.

This question will be an easy one for you... I'm an O+ Secretor, for almost 3 years now. But I recently became aware that I eat too much in the "grain" category. So I made myself a check-off chart to keep me in line for a bit, and now I'm wondering... What category should I check-off when I have my O-friendly Protein Blend? Is it "grains?"

Thanks for all the practical and specific advice you give--I learned a lot while reading through past columns! -TamaraZ

Hello, Tamara ~ thank you, and welcome to BTD Corner!

It counts as protein primarily. You might say it is 1/2 serving in the protein section -- it is 20 grams (per 2 scoops) of protein refined from rice, as well as egg whites, so as a rough estimate, 1/2 portion in the "general protein category" would do.

The carbohydrates listed on the label are not all digested as carbs, as much of it is in the form of fiber. Best to say 1/2 of one serving of protein, and leave it at that.

Thanks again, and I hope this helps! :-D

I live in Australia and have been following the O type diet for about 4 months on advice from a naturopath. I have some questions after reading previous topics.

1. Is vegetable glycerin good for me and is it a sweetener?

2. Is nutritional yeast beneficial & what is it?

3. I thought vanilla was an avoid for type O but you say it is ok in a previous topic about chocolate. Also is cocoa butter ok?

4. I have found Portabella mushrooms in my local supermarket are they the same as Portobello?

5. Is cider vinegar an avoid for me?

6.In a previous topic you say farmer cheese is similar to cottage cheese. Does that mean it is ok to eat cottage cheese? Awaiting your reply! ~ Alison

Hi, Alison!

Vegetable glycerine is good for anyone as a sweetener. It can be substituted for sugar on a 1:2 basis -- it is quite sweet, so use only 1/2 the quantity of veg gly that you would normally use of sugar. And limit the quantity you eat to 1/4 cup of veg gly, absolute maximum, per day. :-)

Nutritional yeast is primarily dried saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It certainly is good for us, but the exact rating can be found in our TYPEbase3 database also linked at the bottom of this page and from the pulldown Support menu up above.

Chocolate itself is fine, as is cocoa butter. Check all ingredients against the TYPEbase3 values, though. That goes for cottage cheese as well. :->

Portobello, portabella, all spellings happily accepted! Yes, they're all the same thing. :-)

Cider vinegar is an avoid if you are a nonsecretor -- learn more about secretors and nonsecretors by clicking "Contact Heidi" at the top of this page, and reading through the FAQ.

Welcome, Alison, and enjoy roaming around the site... treasures await you!

:-D